Garden Gimlet Recipe

Make cucumber-infused vodka (if not ready)

Thinly slice 1/2 of a medium cucumber and place in a jar with 8 oz vodka. Seal and refrigerate 4–12 hours for a bright cucumber flavor, then strain through a fine mesh and discard solids. Use chilled.

Make green chili–infused vodka (if not ready)

Split one small green chili (mild such as jalapeño or serrano) and add to 8 oz vodka. Steep in the refrigerator 2–6 hours to reach desired heat, tasting occasionally. Strain and discard solids. Label and chill.

Prepare bell pepper

If roasting: char a small red bell pepper over a gas flame or under broiler until blackened, place in a covered bowl 10 minutes, then peel, remove seeds, and chop. If raw: finely dice and gently muddle. Measure 3 tablespoons of flesh.

Muddle vegetables

In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and the 3 tablespoons of chopped bell pepper. Lightly muddle 6–8 times — enough to release juice and aroma but not pulverize into pulp.

Combine liquids

To the shaker with muddled vegetables add 2 oz cucumber-infused vodka, 0.75 oz green chili–infused vodka, 0.5 oz Génépy, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup.

Shake

Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted.

Double-strain and serve

Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (over fresh ice if preferred) using a fine-mesh strainer to remove vegetable bits for a smooth drink. This yields a clear, aromatic gimlet with vegetal notes.

Garnish

Float a thin slice of green chili (optional) and a lime wheel on the surface, or spear a small cucumber slice on the rim. Serve immediately.

Sweetness: adjust agave by ±0.25 oz to taste. Heat: use more/less chili in the infusion or add a dash of green-chili vodka to the shaker for extra spice. Herbaceousness: increase Génépy by 0.25 oz for stronger alpine herbal notes.

Make-ahead: infusions can be prepared several days in advance and stored refrigerated. For a brighter cucumber presence, use the fresh cucumber muddled in the shaker as directed even if using infused vodka.